Ch. 171..180

Chapter 171

“Hush. Don’t even think about telling me your last words. I don’t want to hear them. You’ll be okay. I’m here now. I won’t let you die,” Ivor sounded terrified and heartbroken.

Bonnie’s lips twitched as she said, “Calm down and listen to me. I’m-”

Before she could finish, Ivor kissed her lips. Her eyes widened, and she tried her best to push him off her. However, Ivor held her tighter and kissed her more intensely. Bonnie kept trying to say something, but his lips had sealed hers.

Soon after, she began to pant and blush. Fortunately, she had put on makeup to make herself look paler. Otherwise, it would have been blood–red by now. Moments later, Ivor stopped kissing her and looked into her eyes.

“I told you to stop talking, but you just refuse to listen. If you’re going to keep it up, I’ll do it again.”

Bonnie zipped it when she heard that. She wanted to explain the situation but changed her mind and held the prop knife instead.

“Don’t touch that! A doctor will be here to pull it out of your chest soon. Oh, god. You might bleed out –“Ivor did not get to finish his sentence because Bonnie pulled the prop knife away from her chest.

The former felt as if time had stopped, and an awkward silence hung in the air.

“It’s a prop, dummy.” Bonnie pointed at her chest and wiped the fake blood off the corner of her mouth. “It’s all fake.”

Ivor was stunned before sighing in relief. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! Why would you put on all this makeup to make it look like you’re dying? Do you have any idea how terrified I was?”

He pulled her into his arms again. He held her so tightly that he could feel her heartbeat. Meanwhile, Bonnie could feel his heart pounding wildly. She even noticed Ivor’s shaky and sobbing voice.

“I was just making a video and taking some pictures.”

“Will you please tell me the next time you even consider doing something like this?” Ivor sounded authoritative and desperate.

Bonnie frowned in response. She could feel just how heartbroken he was early. She then patted his back and said, “Okay, I will.”

Ivor felt much better after she soothed him. He asked, “So, what’s the deal here?”

“Um…”

“I want the truth.” He stared at her unblinkingly.

Bonnie knew she could not make up a story when he looked at her like that. “Here’s the deal. I took money from Xavier and promised him I’d kill myself.”

It made Ivor confused. “Are you part of the St League? Don’t even think about lying to me. Even if you aren’t, you must be connected to the league somehow. The guy who sparred with Jim at the hospital was none other than the strongest fighter in the league.

“That was Jacques. Anyone he chooses to work for must be some top brass in the league.” Ivor was a genuinely intelligent man.

“I’m not a part of the league, but I can tell you that your analysis is correct. Indeed, I’m connected to it.” Bonnie did not tell Ivor about William’s true identity, but that was not because she did not trust

Ivor.

William was no ordinary man. The SR League accepted plenty of requests throughout the year, meaning they made enemies worldwide. The fewer people knew about William’s identity, the better it would be.

“All right, I respect your boundaries.”

Ivor could envision Bonnie’s plan. He said, “There’s something I want to know. What will you do after this? Xavier isn’t someone you can mess with. He’s wicked. Aren’t you worried he’d seek revenge on you after duping him out of ten billion dollars?”

Bonnie chuckled confidently. “He wouldn’t.”

“How can you be so sure?” Ivor was curious, wondering what made her so confident.

 

Chapter 172

“You don’t have faith in me. Do you? Just wait. You’ll see.”

Since Bonnie was not going to tell tvor everything, he decided not to pry for more information.

“Can you clean yourself up? Your getup upsets me.” He knew it was all fake, but he couldn’t help but feel heartbroken at the sight of it.

“Sure. I’ll hop in the shower now.”

Ivor waited until she got into the bathroom before looking at Jim, who was about to leave. The former addressed Jim and asked, “Hey, why do you seem to care about her very much?”

Jim calmly responded, “It’s my job to keep her safe. I believe caring about her is part of my job.”

“You say that, but it looks like she means so much more to you. Did you two know each other before you started working here?” Ivor stared at him. The wisdom in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Nope.”

“Really?”

“I solemnly swear that I, Tim Reid, have never known Ms. Bonnie in my life until I got this job! May God punish me most severely if I lied through my teeth.”

‘I’m not Tim Reid, anyway. That alias didn’t know Bonnie before getting this job. Technically, I’m not

lying.‘

Staring at Jim, Ivor said after a brief moment, “Dismissed.”

“Roger, Mr. Ivor.” Jim turned and left. He sighed in relief when he turned to leave, wondering if he had managed to trick Ivor. However, Jim couldn’t shake the feeling that Ivor didn’t wholly buy his story. Still, Ivor would not have let Jim leave if he was suspicious.

Bonnie was taking a shower in the bathroom. So, she didn’t know about what happened between Ivor and Jim. Thirty minutes had come and gone by the time she finished showering.

After drying her hair, she felt exhausted and went to bed to sleep. She then pulled the blanket up and slipped in. Suddenly, she sat upright and stared at Ivor, who was hiding in her blanket. “Wh– what are you doing in my blanket?!”

“I’m keeping you safe.” He said matter–of–factly.

Her lips twitched helplessly. “That won’t be necessary. Thanks for being thoughtful, but it’s late now. You should go back to your room.”

However, Ivor feigned ignorance and continued to sleep in her blanket. Honestly, Bonnie felt moved by his actions. Even so, she was not about to sleep with him just because he was considerate.

“Hey, Ivor. If you’re not leaving, I’m going to walk away.”

“Don’t do that. Fine, I’ll leave.” Pulling the blanket off, he sat up,

‘Why is he half–naked?‘

Bonnie saw his bare body and pulled the blanket up to cover it. In response, Ivor smiled and asked, Are you reluctant to let me leave?”

Oh, how she wished she could kick him out of the bed. “Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?”

“What made you think I’m naked? I’m wearing pants. You can see for yourself if you don’t believe me.” He moved to lift the blanket to show it to her.

All she knew was that he was naked on the top half of his body. The blanket covered the lower half of his body. So, she couldn’t be sure if he was wearing anything underneath. Still, she wondered

what she would do if he weren’t wearing anything.

‘Does he want to show me his thingy?‘

Bonnie was not about to risk it. When she grabbed his hand, he asked, “Are you trying to hold my hand? If that’s the case, you could’ve just told me.‘

The next moment, he cupped her hands. His hands were big and broad, while hers were tender and petite. Ivor cupped Bonnie’s hands so tightly that hers disappeared into his. She tried to pull them out, but it was futile.

“Let me go.”

Not only did he not let go, but he yanked her so that both of them would fall onto the bed together. A moment later, he pulled her into his arms.

 

Chapter 173

“I’m warning you, Ivor. Don’t do anything to me!” Bonnie was a little annoyed. Simultaneously, she felt other inexplicable emotions. It was all because Ivor was holding her. If it had been someone else, she would’ve snapped their member and ended their lineage.

“Stay still, Bonnie. Just let me hold you a little. I’m still shaken by what happened earlier. Your little getup terrified me. I finally found someone I love. When I fell in love with you, I swore I’d cherish you and wouldn’t let anything happen to you.

“The last thing I expected to see was your alleged dying moments. It felt as if my world was crumbling, and I’d lost any motivation to live. I’ve never known how fear felt until that moment. I meant it when I said I was terrified,” Ivor’s deep voice kept echoing in Bonnie’s ears.

She merely lay there and listened to him express his thoughts. She did not fight back or scold him. Instead, she lay still and allowed him to embrace her.

Bonnie lay in the bed until Ivor said he was exhausted and dozed off. Only then did she move lightly. However, her slight movement made him tighten his hold.

Bonnie looked at his dashing features in confusion and listened to his steady breathing. The way she saw it, he was already deep asleep.

‘So, does that mean his earlier movement was a subconscious reaction?‘

Bonnie wanted to test her theory. So, she moved again, and Ivor instinctively tightened his grip again.

‘Fine, then. It looks like I’ll have to sleep like this tonight. It’s not like I can’t break free from Ivor’s grasp if I wanted to. It’s just that…‘

Listening to the chirpings of the crickets, she looked out the window and saw the brilliant moon in the sky. She could feel the warmth of his body. Everything seemed as serene as it could be.

‘It’s not like Ivor’s going to do anything outrageous tonight. Time to sleep.‘

The following day, Bonnie was still sleepy when she felt a cooling sensation on her head. She did not overthink it and closed her eyes to go back to sleep.

Meanwhile, Ivor leaned against the door and touched his lips, his eyes full of joy.

Later, Bonnie woke up and sent the video and pictures to Xavier.

“Hahaha! She’s finally dead! I can’t believe she would disrespect me like that. That’ll teach her to mess with me. That lady from the SR League is highly efficient. She killed Bonnie right under Ivor’s nose and didn’t get caught.”

Then, he received a text from ‘Bonnie.‘ “It’s time you pay the remaining five billion.”

Xavier was walking on cloud nine and no longer cared about the money. He quickly transferred the remaining amount to her. Then he told one of his men, “Send someone to check on the Knights‘ villa.

I want to know how heartbroken Ivor is,”

“Right away, Mr. Xavier,”

Soon after, his man ran into his room frantically,

“Sir, B–Bonnie’s alive!”

“She’s alive? How’s that possible? I checked the pictures and video. Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?”

The man pulled out his phone and showed Xavier the video he had taken earlier. In the video, Bonnie stood in the garden, going about her day.

“H–How’s that possible?!” Xavier snatched the phone away and rewatched the video, trying to confirm it was really Bonnie. “What on earth is going on?”

“Is the SR League trying to swindle you, Mr. Xavier?” The man took a wild guess.

“That’s not possible! The league has an excellent reputation worldwide. Why would they risk ruining it for a mere ten billion dollars?”

“B–But, sir… The fact remains that Bonnie is alive!”

‘He’s right. Bonnie’s alive and breathing! Does that mean the pictures and video I received earlier are fake? Did she dupe me?‘

Xavier was outraged, quickly taking his phone and texting Bonnie, “She’s still alive! I demand an explanation!”

Bonnie replied to his text, “That was fast. Did you figure me out already?”

“Why, you little- Damn You! Aren’t you worried I’ll publicize your actions and ruin the SR League’s reputation? How dare you pull a fast one on me! The way I see it, you went rogue and did this yourself. Do you know what’ll happen if the league’s top brass finds out what you did?!”

Bonnie ignored his questions and asked in return, “Have you ever wondered why no one in the league was willing to accept your quest?”

 

Chapter 174

Xavier was stunned. “What do you mean by that? Hold on!”

His heart skipped a beat. “Are you trying to say Bonnie has another identity?”

‘Bonnie is already Ivor’s fiance and favored by Jim and Hamish. Does she have another identity that’s far bigger than all of these combined?‘

“Exactly.” Bonnie smiled dryly and continued to compose texts. “Here’s a top secret.”

Xander held his breath and waited for the bomb to fall. Finally, Bonnie sent her latest reply. “She’s actually Ms. Bonita.”

‘What the fuck!‘

Xander paled and began to sweat bullets. If anyone had told him that the country bumpkin from the Shepard family was Ms. Bonita, he would’ve brushed it off. However, too many things had happened. With that in mind, he might as well step down from being the Sheffyns‘ patriarch if he stubbornly decided not to take it seriously.

“This explains everything! It’s no wonder that not a single soul in the SR League dared accept my request! Wait a minute! Something doesn’t feel right.‘

“If that’s the case, why did you accept my request?”

Smiling, she responded, “That’s because I’m Bonnie.”

“What?!” Xavier coughed. A moment later, his eyes rolled back, and he fell unconscious.

1

Meanwhile, Bonnie felt better than ever. She then ate the apple she had plucked. It tasted sweet as she chewed it, further uplifting her spirits.

Ivor plucked more apples off the tree, saying, “From the looks of it, you’ve successfully swindled ten billion dollars from Xavier.”

Bonnie glanced at him sidelong and said, “What do you mean swindle? I crushed Xavier with my superior intellect.”

Fortunately, Xavier could not hear her. Otherwise, he would have woken up and coughed before fainting again.

“Sure thing, honey. Your intelligence surpasses everyone else’s. There’s no chance Xavier could ever outsmart you.”

“Honey? Last I checked, we’re not married. Are you sure it’s appropriate to address me that way?”

Ivor washed the apple clean and handed it to her, saying, “Well, how should I address you then?”

“Just call me by my name, like you usually do.”

“All right, Bonnie–booboo.”

‘I can’t with him.‘

Suddenly, something piqued Ivor’s interest. He said, “You swindled- Ahem, you crushed Xavier with your superior intellect and made him pay you ten billion. On top of that, he doesn’t seem to be coming after you. How on earth did you pull that off?”

“Are you curious?” Bonnie raised her brow.

“Of course I am. I’m dying of curiosity.”

She pointed at her shoulder in response.

Ivor caught her drift and said, “On it.”

The next moment, he started massaging her shoulder. His fingers felt warm, making Bonnie regret her decision. Moreover, she couldn’t help but feel that he was doing more than just rubbing her shoulders. They lingered on her skin, and she could feel the longing in them.

“That’s enough.”

Ivor feigned ignorance and said, “If your shoulders are fine, I’ll massage your thighs next.” He then reached down and grabbed her thighs.

 

Chapter 175

“Ivor Knight!” Bonnie punched him.

“Owie…” Neville, who was watching them from upstairs, covered his eyes. What happened was too graphic for someone his age.

Afterward, Ivor went to work with a black eye, shocking everyone. Although it was apparent someone had punched him, he still grinned.

Even Floyd could not take it, saying, “Ahem, I know you’re happy Ms. Bonnie gave you a black eye, but shouldn’t we focus on what’s important now, Mr. Ivor?”

“What do you mean?” Ivor asked in puzzlement.

Floyd’s lips twitched. “Did you forget that you and your grandmother have an appointment with the miracle doctor?”

Finally, Ivor remembered it. “What time’s the appointment?”

C

Floyd checked the time and asked, “We have another hour until then. Should I call the miracle doctor now?”

“Mhm.”

Shortly after, Bonnie received a text and was about to reply when she received a call from Vera. Frowning, she fell into deep thought.

‘Mom and Dad have never called me once since disowning me. It’s like their official tweet said: I’m no longer a member of the Shepard family. They don’t care if I’m dead or alive. So, why’s Mom calling me? Does she want to ask about the time I humiliated Brittany?‘

↑

Bonnie answered the call and said indifferently, “What is it?”

“Come and get your things now.”

“I’m busy. Maybe tomorrow.”

“I need to empty your room so that they can renovate it into a makeshift lab for Trina. The contractor will be here soon. If you’re not coming to take your things, I’ll tell the servants to toss them into the

garbage.”

Bonnie’s expression turned cold. After all, there was some personal stuff in her room, including notes on essential things and her journal.

“We’re not being heartless or unreasonable. Professor Paul from Pyralis University is Trina’s mentor and has high hopes for her. He even claims she will make crucial contributions to science in the future.

“He visited us yesterday and emphasized that we must give our utmost support to Trina and build her a lab if possible. That’ll allow her to conduct her research peacefully.

“As you know, your room is the only available one now. So, if you refuse to collect your things, we’ll have to take care of it ourselves,” Vera said casually,

Bonnie remained calm and did not let it affect her. “Pine, I’m coming.”

After hanging up the phone, she texted Floyd. “I’m sorry. There’s an emergency. I’ll see you tonight.”

Half an hour later, Bonnie stood before the place she used to call home. She looked calm and distant. Although, Bonne had planned to return and collect her things once Lenfeild Resort was complete. She never expected her former family to be so impatient.

Perhaps she should have expected it. After all, she was no longer a member of the family. Having her stuff in their house was pretty troublesome for them and herself.

 

Chapter 176

“Bonnie?” A familiar voice sounded from behind, interrupting Bonnie’s thoughts.

She was shocked when she turned to see who it was. “Mom?”

The middle–aged woman was not Vera but Bonnie’s foster mother, Welma. Not only was Welma there, but she also brought Gerald and Bonnie’s younger brother, Benedict.

“Dad, Benny, why are you here?”

“It’s been five years, Bonnie. You’ve grown into a beautiful young lady.” Welma’s eyes reddened as she embraced Bonnie tremblingly.

“I’m sorry we haven’t contacted you much these past few years, Bonnie. We haven’t even visited you once. It’s not that we don’t care. We didn’t want our background to make you and Trina the city’s laughingstock.” Tears ran down Welma’s cheeks as she spoke.

Even Gerald became teary–eyed while Benedict turned aside to wipe away his tears discreetly.

Welma added, “I wanted to visit you for your 20th birthday and Trina for her engagement party. But your dad was worried we would embarrass you two if we showed up that day. That’s why we waited until today to visit.”

“It’s okay, Mom. Stop crying, okay? If you keep crying, I’m going to cry, too.” Bonnie took out a handkerchief to wipe away her foster mother’s tears.

“Yeah, we finally get to meet our daughter, and you’re crying so much. What’s that supposed to mean?” Gerald sighed and then looked at Bonnie, saying, “The Shepards are too high–class for us. We knew we would stand out like a sore thumb and embarrass you and Trina. Hey, could you go in

and call Trina out? We have birthday gifts for you two.”

“Sure thing, Dad.” Bonnie turned and rang the doorbell, which puzzled the trio. They did not understand why Bonnie had to ring the doorbell to her family’s house.

“Who is it?” The butler walked over. When he saw Bonnie, he became hostile. “Oh, it’s you. I’d prefer not to let you in, but Madam Vera told me you’d be coming to get your stuff. Quick, collect your things

and leave.”

The trio felt something was amiss. Benedict asked, “Bonnie, what’s going on? Why’s he talking to you like that? What are you here to collect?”

Bonnie frowned and was about to explain, but the butler sneered and said, “You guys don’t know, huh? The Shepards have disowned Bonnie.”

“What?! Is that true?” Gerald trembled and almost fell over.

Welma was on the verge of tears, saying, “Bonnie, that can’t be true.”

Bonnie felt bitter but nodded and said, “They look down on me. It’s official. They’ve disowned me. I’ll

be going my separate way.”

The trio was shocked.

The butler continued, “It’s not that Madam Vera looks down on you, Bonnie. It’s because you dug your own grave by relying on your looks instead of your skills. You turned into a homewrecker and involved yourself in a love affair-”

Smack!

Bonnie slapped the butler. She would let Vera’s vicious accusations slide, but not a butler to insult her so casually. She was not an easy target.

“How dare you slap me, you little gremlin! I’ll make you pay!” The butler held his cheek and then motioned to return Bonnie’s slap.

 

Chapter 177

The butler’s slap was about to land when Benedict stopped him. The latter was furious, saying, “Even if they’ve disowned Bonnie, you don’t have the right to slap her. Besides, we’re still here. You can’t treat us like we’re dead.”

After witnessing the butler’s arrogant behavior, Benedict could not help but wonder how his sister had endured the past few years living with the Shepards.

“I can discipline anyone I want! If you dare to lay a hand on me, I’ll have the bodyguards throw all of you out. I’ll even call the cops to arrest you,” The butler threatened.

Although Benedict was not afraid of what might happen to him, he did not want the butler to call for the bodyguards. After all, his parents were older and might not be able to handle such a tense

situation.

Meanwhile, Bonnie said, “We don’t need to waste our breaths on this idiot.”

She then kicked the butler, sending him flying.

“Gah!” The butler screamed as he landed on the ground with a thud. He clutched his stomach as sweat dripped from his forehead.

Benedict exclaimed in surprise, “Bonnie, that was amazing!”

At that moment, the commotion attracted Trina’s attention. After asking the housekeepers about it, she learned that her biological parents had visited from the countryside. Although she disliked it, she could not avoid them because they were her birth parents.

When Trina appeared at the front gate, the butler wailed, “Ms. Trina, help! Bonnie slapped me and then kicked me! I think she might’ve broken my ribs.”

Welma anxiously explained, “Trina, it wasn’t like that. He insulted Bonnie and threatened your brother. He even said he’d tell the bodyguards to throw us out.‘

Trina felt annoyed but remained composed with much effort, saying, “Is that true, Benny?”

Benedict merely nodded. He did not have much of an impression of Trina. After all, she had gotten switched at birth and grew up with the wealthy Shepard family. Afterward, Trina and Benedict only

met and interacted a handful of times.

“The butler insulted Bonnie and called her a homewrecker. Bonnie only acted in self–defense. Still, your butler didn’t back down and even threatened to call the bodyguards to deal with us.”

Trina sighed. “Benny, it wasn’t the butler’s fault. Bonnie’s not my sister anymore because she got

involved with a sugar daddy. It’s a fact that so many people know about.‘

“That’s impossible! My sister’s no homewrecker or sugar baby!” Benedict protested.

Trina’s temper flared. “Are you saying I’m not your sister? I’m your biological sister, Benny! Don’t

you believe what I’m saying?”

Welma and Gerald exchanged glances before looking at Trina. One of them said, “There must be a misunderstanding, Trina. We watched Bonnie grow. We know what kind of person she is. She would never do such horrible things.”

Trina forced a bitter smile, saying, “Yeah, she’s the daughter you watched grow. As for me, I’ll never be as important to you as Bonnie is. So, you won’t believe me, no matter what I say. If that’s the case, why waste your breath questioning me?”

“Don’t misunderstand, Trina. We didn’t mean it that way. We just-”

 

Chapter 178

“That’s quite enough. I don’t want to hear your explanations. Either way, you’ll always be biased toward Bonnie.”

The couple felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. Meanwhile, Bonnie stood between her parents and Trina, saying, “That’s enough out of you, Trina. I’ve been silent because you’re their biological daughter. I know I’ll only hurt them if I scold you.

“However, you’ve crossed the line with your words. They may not have raised you, but they always send you gifts every year and care about you whenever you’re sick. As yourself, what have you done for them?”

Welma wiped her tears and said, “That’s enough, Bonnie.”

“Fine, I’ll stop mentioning that. How about this? You keep telling everyone that I’m someone’s mistress or sugar baby, yet you’ve never witnessed such a thing. What does my sugar daddy look like? Do you even know who he is? How do you even know if he’s married?”

“I—”

“Consider what you say next, Trina. Did you see any of that?” Bonnie asked sternly.

Trina grew anxious when she felt everyone’s intense gaze. She bit her lip and said, “Bonnie, you should know all that better than I do. Would you dare to swear that you aren’t someone’s mistress?”

“What a boring reply. If swearing worked, would you swear you’ve seen me being a homewrecker or a mistress?” Bonnie retorted, causing Trina to panic.

“Trina, if I hear you spreading rumors about me again, I’ll take you to court for slander and defamation.” Bonnie then walked past Trina.

The latter struggled to suppress her emotions. After all, being repeatedly suppressed by Bonnie over the past few days had thrown Trina off her game.

Welma gently held Trina’s hand and said, “Bonnie is already in a slump. Please stop troubling her. Hey, here’s your birthday gift. I knitted this sweater myself. School is starting soon, and it’ll get chilly. You can wear it then. I hope you don’t think my knitting is bad or anything.”

“Why would I think that? I love it!” Trina replied, “Mom, Dad, do you want to come in and sit for a

while?”

“Oh, no,

waved.

that’s okay. We’re wearing such casual clothes. We don’t want to intrude, either.” Welma

“Oh, I see. Well, I still have some research to do. I’ll go back inside, then.”

“Your research is important. Focus on your studies, too.”

Trina could hardly keep up her act and quickly left.

“Ah, no!” Welma facepalmed. “I forgot Trina’s engagement gift!”

Gerald urged, “Quick, tell Benny to take it inside.”

Welma removed a jewelry box from her bag and handed it to Benedict, saying, “Hurry, catch up to

Trina.”

“Right! Sure thing, Mom!” Benedict took the box and ran inside.

Bonnie did not have much to carry when she collected her things. She only took her notebook and her favorite clothes before going downstairs. Immediately after, she saw Trina discarding something into

a trash bin.

“Disgusting. How dare they give me such a horrid–looking sweater. She expects me to wear that outside?”

Bonnie noticed the bag Trina had thrown away and realized she had seen her mother carrying it just now. The former ran over and grabbed Trina’s collar, shouting, “You’ve gone too far, Trina! Take that bag out of the trash bin now!”

 

Chapter 179

Bonnie’s aggressiveness frightened Trina. The latter screamed, “Let go of me! You’re choking me, damn it! Mom, Dad, help! Bonnie’s trying to kill me!”

Vera and Gresham heard the commotion and ran downstairs. The former grabbed Bonnie’s sleeve and pulled her away. “Bonnie, what are you doing?! Let go of her, or I’ll call the cops!”

Gresham prepared to get physical, saying, “Bonnie, are you deaf?! You don’t belong here anymore, so stop behaving so recklessly in my house!”

Bonnie turned and glared at the older couple. “I’ll let go if she retrieves the sweater from the trash!”

“What sweater?” Vera and Gresham were puzzled as they looked at the trash bin. Indeed, there was a sweater inside. “What’s going on here?”

Bonnie gritted her teeth, saying, “My mom knitted that for Trina as a birthday gift. It’s okay if she doesn’t like it, but she doesn’t have to throw it away. I don’t care if Trina is reluctant to accept someone from the countryside as her mother, but she’s still Trina’s biological mother.”

“Is that true, Trina?” Vera frowned. Although she disliked country folk and looked down on them, the sweater was still a personal gift from Trina’s birth mother. If Trina really did throw the sweater away, it would speak volumes about her character.

Suddenly, Welma’s voice sounded, “Trina, is that true? Do you despise me that much?”

Trina turned to see Welma and Gerald. The former felt a sudden pang of guilt.

Earlier, Welma and Gerald waited outside for Benedict to return. After a brief discussion, they decided to enter the house. However, they did not expect to hear what Bonnie said.

Bonnie’s heart raced as she looked at her foster parents, especially Welma, who was on the verge of

tears.

“No, it’s not true! Bonnie’s making things up!” Trina began to sob. “She’s jealous that you gave me the sweater and snatched it from me. She was the one who threw it away. Į got angry and scolded her, and then she tried to strangle me!

“Y–You guys have to believe me. Why would I throw away such a precious gift? I’d be worse than an animal if I did that!”

Vera and Gresham nodded, saying, “We believe Trina. Bonnie, let go of her now!”

Bonnie remained stubborn. “I said I’d let her go once she retrieves the sweater from the trash.”

Trina looked at Welma and Gerald tearfully. “Do you believe Bonnie?”

“That’s…” Welma and Gerald were in a dilemma.

“Trina isn’t like that!” Vera scolded, “We disowned Bonnie specifically because she’s a terrible person who disgraces the family’s reputation.”

Welma refused to believe that statement. “We raised Bonnie. There’s no way she’s as you described.”

 

Chapter 180

Vera fanned the flames, saying, “Hmph, If you country bumpkins hadn’t raised Bonnie, she wouldn’t have become such a horrible person!”

“Shut your mouth!” Bonnie and Benedict yelled in unison. The latter was furious as Trina stared at him, wondering when he arrived.

“Benny? Were you hiding or something? I thought we told you to give Trina her engagement gift,” Gerald said, puzzled.

Benedict approached Bonnie and Trina. He looked at Trina with annoyance and said, “I saw Trina throwing the sweater into the trash can when I came in earlier.”

Vera and Gresham were surprised as they looked at Trina. “Is that true?”

Trina began to cry aggrievedly. “Why would you twist the truth like that, Benny? I’m your real sister. You can’t let Bonnie deceive you. Stop defending her. Did she bribe you or something? I knew it! This must be all her sugar daddy’s doing. Bonnie must’ve paid you to twist the story!”

Benedict felt like he was about to lose his mind. “What the fuck are you talking about, Trina? I’ve never taken anyone’s money! I spoke the truth!”

“Enough!” Trina cried even louder. “You call me by my name and call Bonnie your sister. You never considered me your real sister! You two grew up together, and I’m not close to you. Of course, you’d defend her!”

She looked at Welma and Gerald and continued, “Mom, Dad, do you believe me or Bonnie?”

The couple looked at Bonnie and Benedict before glancing at Trina. They struggled to answer her question.

“Oh, I see how it is. You didn’t raise me, so you won’t believe anything I say,” Trina spoke defeatedly. She then looked at Vera and Gresham. “After all, Bonnie’s your biological daughter.”

Vera pushed Bonnie away and held Trina. “I’ll always believe you, dear. Don’t be sad. I promise always to take your side, no matter what you do or say.”

Gresham’s eyes reddened. “Same here, sweetie. I only have one daughter, and it’s you. You will always be the family’s heiress.”

Trina felt moved as she hugged them and continued to cry.

“Hmph!” Bonnie sneered.

‘What extraordinary acting.‘

At that moment, Benedict pulled Bonnie aside and said, “Come on,

let’s go.‘

Bonnie looked at Welma and Gerald, who were still staring at her. Gerald sighed and said, “We should leave.”

Welma then took Bonnie’s hand, and the family of four left.

Once outside, Gerald smoked a cigarette and looked at Bonnie apologetically. “We sent you to the Shepards all those years ago because we didn’t want you to

continue suffering with us. I didn’t expect our decision to cause you so much distress.”